Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
THIS IS THE 007 Lotus Esprit ‘Submarine Car’, most famous for its role in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me.
The contraption will go under the hammer in London tomorrow with RM Auctions estimating a €1 million price tag.
The vehicle, which is supposedly the “one and only fully-functional submarine car” in the world, has never before been offered for sale.
It also has an interesting back story (apart from the trips to the sea during filming).
After the film was released the now nicknamed Wet Nellie did the rounds at various autoshows, before being put into a storage unit in Holbrook, New York. The lease was paid in advance for 10 years but in 1989, the rent-delinquent unit was put up for “blind” sale at a public auction.
A couple living in the area put in a modest bid and bought the space. When they visited for the first time, they discovered the iconic car under some blankets. Other than some damage to the roof, it was in tact.
They towed it home – creating much excitement among fellow road users – restored it and exhibited it occasionally. Now that they’ve decided to sell, do you want a closer look?
And from behind?
Here it is doing what it does best:
(YouTube: movieclips)
Images: Sean Dempsey/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Download the RM Auctions catalogue here.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Bet the two boys on the Discovery channel are a bit pissed that they didnt come across that unit ….
I want that one, Moneypenny.
Submerging a 77 Esprit in water was always an exercise in lunacy, given their electrical issues and irritating tendency to disintegrate in a light shower. Great to see this one has survived though.
I want that one but bank account says no.
Computer says naaaaaah
No thanks one crazy owner and it leaks :-)
Given the Lotus reputation it was probably dryer outside than in when submerged.
Had a toy one of those years ago.
Had one, they are shite. Head gasget keeps going in them!!!
Yes please!!
Wonder what the couple paid for the unit? Monster profit!
Wouldn’t last an hour round here before somebody robs it !!!
Strange that it was put into storage and
then forgotten about for ten years ….
How much will the tax be,and can you get an NCT for it??
L O T U S……..Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious……NO THANKS.
Looks tacky
Does it have a tow bar?
NO
2k tax a year….
Shtick it up on dondeal
Do you think they would let me take for an underwater test drive
Its a hollow fibreglass shell thats all
I want James bond bank account.
Could I fit the child’s seat in the back, if not I am not bothered!
have your say